
10 Feb 2023
Packed with great places to eat and drink, you’ll need local expertise to guide you which is why this week we’ve asked graphic designer Lisa Cammarano to give us the inside scoop on the best spots to eat and drink in the suburb that is definitely not South Yarra’s lesser cousin.
Lisa is a mother of three with tons of experience working for advertising agencies and eating out in the area. From cheap and cheerful lunch dates to late night bar-hopping adventures, she’s done it all. Luckily for us, she’s more than happy to share her secrets…
First thing’s first. Best place to grab coffee?
“Journeyman is the best. Working in an advertising agency, a strong coffee is a must! Journeyman’s brew is rich, creamy and intense.”
Where can you grab a quick, cheap and tasty lunch?
“Windsor Deli is Melbourne’s best sandwich place. Located off the main drag in a residential area, it’s a great way to get away from the hectic vibes of Chapel St. The beef with horseradish, cheese and coleslaw is really satisfying. Although it’s $13, they’re quite large so you could even split it with a colleague if you’re not too hungry. I was always happy to finish off the whole thing myself!”
Where would you suggest going for after-work drinks?
“Hoo Haa is a great spot to chill out and grab a bevvy at the end of a long work day. They have a large selection of yummy cocktails, and when you get hungry, its sister restaurant Miss Kuku is conveniently located upstairs. They do plates of casual Asian fusion-style food, easy for sharing or to enjoy as a late night snack. There’s also an intimate dance floor if you fancy hanging around.”
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, where should you end the night?
“Messina! So many different ice-cream flavours to choose from. I love the gianduia (chocolate and hazelnut). Perfect for a Nutella fix.”
Where would you take someone out to dinner?
“I’d take them to Tokyo Tina. It’s a modern take on Japanese street food. The crispy pork belly bao is my favourite and their ramen is super tasty. The interior is unique and trendy, inspired by Japanese pop culture with references to Nintendo and Pokemon. You can even organise to do karaoke there.”
Windsor’s secret gem is…
“Borsch, Vodka & Tears comes instantly to mind. It’s a Windsor institution. The cosy cocktail bar is run by a Polish family who immigrated in the 80s. You can order a cup of borsch (a Polish beetroot soup) or you can sample the large selection of vodka if you need even more warming up. The date night mix of chocolate, hazelnut and Turkish delight sampling vodkas is delicious.”
Windsor is a great place to eat because…
“Windsor is one of Melbourne’s best suburbs for food and nightlife. With an eclectic mix of eateries and vintage op shops, it’s a great place to work or go for a night out. For a long time, Windsor was considered the grubby end of Chapel Street. But now, it’s become a mecca for foodies and revelers alike.”
Your Windsor address book:
Journeyman: 169 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
Windsor Deli: 33 Hornby St, Windsor VIC 3181
Hoo Haa: 105 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
Miss Kuku: 105 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
Messina: 171 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
Tokyo Tina: 66A Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
Borsch, Vodka & Tears: 173 Chapel Street, Windsor VIC 3181